The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows eligible international students to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. As of July 1, 2024, significant changes have been implemented to this visa category. Below is an updated overview based on official Australian government sources.

🧾 Visa Overview

• Purpose: Provides recent international graduates with the opportunity to gain work experience in Australia.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be under 35 years old at the time of application (exceptions apply for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).

• Application Timing: Must apply within 6 months of holding a valid student visa.

📚 Visa Streams

The Temporary Graduate visa comprises three streams:

1. Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) Stream:

   • Eligibility: Holders of an Australian diploma, trade qualification, or associate degree.

   • Requirements: Qualification must relate to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.

   • Stay Duration: Up to 18 months (5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).

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2. Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) Stream:

   • Eligibility: Graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from an Australian institution.

3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream:

   • Eligibility: Holders of a first Temporary Graduate visa (PHEW or Replacement stream) who graduated from a CRICOS-registered provider in a designated regional area and continued to reside in a regional area.

   • Stay Duration: 1 to 2 years, based on the regional location of study and residence.

🔄 Recent Changes (Effective from July 1, 2024)

• Visa Streamlining: The previous Graduate Work stream has been replaced by the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.

• Visa Duration Adjustments: Post-study work visa durations have been reduced. However, the visa still provides time to gain valuable work experience. 

• English Language Requirements: New English language requirements apply to all Student and Temporary Graduate visa applications from March 23, 2024.

• Onshore Student Visa Applications: From July 1, 2024, holders of certain visas, including the Temporary Graduate visa, cannot apply for a Student visa while in Australia.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Age: Under 35 years at the time of application (exceptions for certain passport holders).

• Visa History: Must have held a valid student visa within the past 6 months.

• Qualification: Recent graduate from a CRICOS-registered course.

• English Proficiency: Meet the required English language standards.

• Health and Character: Satisfy health and character requirements.

• Insurance: Possess adequate health insurance.

💼 Work Rights and Pathways

• Work Flexibility: Full work rights during the visa period.

• Pathways to Permanent Residency:

  • Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482): Eligible TGV holders who meet relevant work experience requirements may apply for this visa.

  • Employer-Sponsored Visas: Opportunities to transition to employer-sponsored visas.

  • SkillSelect: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for skilled migration visas.

💰 Fees and Application

• Application Fee: Refer to the Visa Pricing Table for current fees.

📄 Additional Resources

• Visa Conditions: Check your visa conditions via VEVO.

• Study Requirements: Understand the study requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa.

• Latest Updates: Stay informed about recent changes to the visa program.

For comprehensive information and updates, visit the Department of Home Affairs – Temporary Graduate Visa and Study Australia – Temporary Graduate Visa pages.